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Design and Merchandising New York
Study Tour

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Blogger:

Wildrose Hamilton
Major: Apparel & Merchandising, Apparel Design & Production
Hometown: Boulder, CO

Itinerary:

Explore the Upper West Side, get detoured on the A train, arrive home in sunny Colorado, and reflect on the week

Day 7:

Ah, Saturday has arrived, and I'm surprised that my feet haven't forcibly detached themselves from me. They've been put through quite the routine this past week, and in heels for the majority. Waking up in New York City is like waking up in the ocean, already treading water and on edge. I found myself walking a tightrope between high stress and high excitement, but always knowing, this is good. I want to be here.

I’ve experienced so much this week including, but not limited to:

• Eating the tastiest, cheapest gyro at Mamoud's in St. Mark's Place.
• Falling asleep on the A train at 2am and awaking at 125th street
• Exploring Pearl Paint, a six-story art supply shop on Canal St.
• Falling in love with lavish, designer fabrics at Mood (and buying a bit too!)
• Watching a drug bust from beginning to end on the steps of Washington Square Park with a good friend
• Taking the 7 to Queens and drawing the city from the subway platform
• Meeting up with old and new friends in Williamsburg, Morningside Park, and the West Village
• Seeing the Neue Galerie (my new favorite museum), the Guggenheim, and the FIT costume museum
• Trying on a $3000 dress at Alexander McQueen (and asking the sales person to zip me up)
• Lugging my luggage across Brooklyn and Queens in a somewhat mangled attempt to take the subway to JFK airport
• Feeling my heart accelerate to unprecedented speeds as Diane von Furstenberg herself bounded into her showroom, all cheekbones and hair, asking, "Who are you? Colorado? Oh, you brought the good weather!"

I began my week navigating the subway, trying to get to the museum mile. I had intended to see the exhibition of German Expressionism at the Guggenheim, but was detoured when I saw a poster for the Neue Galerie, which specializes in Austrian and German artwork. I immediately changed course and headed inside. There are three floors with staircases of white marble and black wrought iron. The collection included a massive, gold, tactile painting by Gustave Klimt, while the special collection focused on the artist group Die Brucke.

I've liked Die Brucke ever since we learned about them in art history. The end of their manifesto reads, "Whoever renders directly and authentically what which impels him to create, is one of us", and that statement has encouraged me throughout my creative classes in college. I recommend the Neue for anyone looking for an intimate, modern exhibition.

As for the Guggenheim, I have never said I don't get it so many times in my head while in a museum. This is exactly that sort of artwork that frustrates and confuses before it enlightens. For instance, one piece depicted a completely black canvas, while another was a piece of two-inch rope nailed to the wall. I nearly ran into the rope piece because I didn't notice it, and guard had to point out where it was. As I looked around, I felt that the pieces themselves would not stand alone, but in the spiral architecture of the museum building, which was design by Frank Lloyd Wright, the building and all its art became one giant artistic statement. The experience was worthwhile, albeit mentally exhausting.

On St. Patrick's day, and I found myself tucked into the side streets where the parade was preparing after we finished our appointments. I hopped up and around, taking photographs of the costumes, and eventually I asked one man (bedecked in rock star sunglasses) what the significance of his tartan was. He replied with a thick Brooklyn accent, "It keeps me warm."

Going to Alexander McQueen was the highlight of my shopping adventures, although I bought nothing from there (a dress costs as much as my tuition). Growing up in Colorado, we experience designers as far away entities that may as well live on other planets. Looking at some lines, I can hardly believe they are considered ready-to-wear, and this was especially true of McQueen's half-Shakespearean, half-David Bowie, lavishly printed corsets, dresses, leggings, and suits for Spring 2009. But there it was, in all its glory, beckoning me from the window.

At first, after I walked in, I barely touched the fabric. Each garment may as well have been the wing of some endangered Plutonian butterfly. It reoccurred to me, after a time, that I was looking at clothes that were made to be worn, and I mustered up the guts to ask to try one on.

The dress I tried on was beautiful, unusual, and extremely tight. It was very structured with bizarre 2" shoulder pads and print like the facets of a sapphire, and inset panels of nude netting along the sides. Perhaps the most satisfying moment was, when Denton, the sales assistant, came to check on the fit, I asked him to zip up the remaining four inches.

I said, I’ve never worn anything like this
Denton said (incredulously), Really? Nothing?
I rolled my eyes in my head — I doubt that there's many other places in the world where someone would argue that this dress was ordinary.

On Friday, the design students met with recruiters from Ralph Lauren for a presentation, and we headed over to the flagship store afterwards, where we met a man with an old-world sort of social grace. He could have been a butler, with his courtesy, open face, and refined manner. He explained to us how the Ralph Lauren flagship store is affectionately called the Manor, as it used to be a residency in the making for some exceedingly rich woman. Upon the untimely death of her husband, however, construction was abandoned. This was until Ralph Lauren bought the property, and according to the original plans, finished the Manor in its intended form complete with Italian plaster cast ceilings, extravagant molding, and marble fireplaces.

During this speech, he always referred to the designer as Mr. Lauren. My friend Kristen mentioned this, and he said, "Ah yes. Once Mr. Lauren was here at the Manor, and asked 'Richard? How long have you been working for me?' And I replied, 'I believe it has been over 20 years, Mr. Lauren.' And he asked, 'Would you please call me Ralph?' So I said, 'Yes, Sir!'
"Now that was a moment in my life! I remember writing, Dear Diary, Mr. Lauren asked me to call him Ralph today! "

I relate these stories because they show the ecclectic nature of the characters here, their peculiarities and specialties. It is this kookiness that makes New York so attractive, and so dynamic.

My new friend Sarah phrased it best when she led me around Brooklyn Heights on my last night in town. They're New York Moments, in which you experience something so strange that it could only have taken place in New York.

"Once, I saw a woman pick up a pigeon off the street and begin giving it a pedicure. Now that's a New York Moment. When I came here for the first time, on the same study tour that you're on now, I thought, these people are crazy! But as I become more at home I realize that there's only a thin line between them and me. It's this city. It makes you do crazy things. When you come back, you’ll see. "

Friday, March 20, 2009

Blogger:

Emily Molzahn
Major: Interior Design
Hometown: Barrington, Illinois

Itinerary:

Industry appointments (Allsteel, Bruce Bierman Design, HOK, and HLW)

Day 6:

Today was bittersweet because it was the last day to visit showrooms and design firms. I was exhausted with our busy schedule so far in the week, but I was thrilled to visit four more firms today, even though it started to snow! We started the day with getting on the subway towards the Allsteel showroom. Once we entered the enormous showroom, we were all amazed by the beautiful furniture and layout. A few designers spoke to us about the history of the company and their involvement with ASID and IIDA programs. I thought that was very important to us students, because it shows the importance of networking within the design field. We then split up into two groups and the designers walked us around the showroom to speak about their products. Allsteel is primarily a seating and system manufacture. Also, their products are innovative and efficient. The showroom had a very professional atmosphere and the designers were very informative about their work. Once the walk-through was done, we had to be on our way for our next appointment.

We walked a couple of blocks to Bruce Bierman Design. We took the elevator up to the small design firm. Bruce Bierman himself spoke to us and gave us a small presentation about his business. He was very energetic and informative about his work. He gave us a small tour of the office as well. Only about 20 employees worked in this firm. It was very interesting to learn about the smaller scale side of the design field. Bruce Bierman had a fun character, yet believed very strongly in managing his clients' expectations. He also explained that being able to sell your designs with a professional quality was very important. I felt that Bruce Bierman Design was a remarkable design firm with incredible pieces of work.

Once our second appointment was done, the group had two hours of free time. I and a couple of other students looked for a restaurant to sit and relax in before we had to head out and find the next design firm. We were walking down 17th Street when one of the students found a Malaysian and Thai Cuisine called Laut. She desperately wanted to go in because she is Malaysian and misses the cooking dearly. I and the other students wanted to try something new and interesting, since there are only a few opportunities for them. The waitresses were very nice and helpful when we were choosing our lunch. I did not want to order something that was too spicy! The food ended up being very delicious.

After we finished up our lunch, we had a little bit of spare time, so we headed to Starbucks for a caffeine fix. We walked to our next appointment after drinking our coffee. The Director of Design, Rick Focke gave us a presentation of HOK. The company has done marvelous work in all kinds of design. Learning about the different projects and the way the company is run was very fascinating. Rick had a wonderful personality and worked by the motto of, "Be yourself and have fun!" HOK has 24 offices all over the world with about 2,500 people working in the firm. Rick gave us a tour of the firm and we were able to see people at work. I loved seeing HOK because it showed me the bigger side of the design field and how it works.

Our next appointment was coming up very fast, so we had to make good timing once we left HOK. We walked a few blocks in order to reach our final design firm at HLW. We met with Associate Suzette Subance and she gave us a presentation about the company and its purpose. She showed us projects that they had done and they were all very stunning. HLW has many different disciplines, but one that caught my eye was the interior of the Google Offices located in New York. The fun and attractive designs were inspiring. Suzette didn't want to keep us for very long since it was Friday and sunny outside, so she quickly walked us through the firm. She emphasized that "Good design is good business," which was very helpful to us young designers. The overall appointment was short and sweet.

Finally all of our design firm visits were completed. I enjoyed everyone and received a lot of helpful information to further my knowledge of the design field. To celebrate, I and a couple of other students shopped for a little bit on Fifth Avenue before heading back to our hotel. We will rest up before we head out again for dinner at a nearby Tapas restaurant for our last evening in New York City. Hopefully my last night will end a very successful and enjoyable trip to New York that I will never forget!

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Blogger:

Allison Ruhmann
Major: Apparel & Merchandising, Apparel Design & Production
Hometown: Colorado Springs, CO

Itinerary:

Industry appointments (Marc Bouwer - Glamit!, BCBG, Ralph Lauren); interview at Ralph Lauren; "Wicked" on Broadway at Gershwin Theater), and a tasty New York hot dog

Day 5:

Thursday was probably one of our busiest days, but the most monumental for me. The day started off with a quick walk through at Marc Bouwer GlamIt!, a designer that is known for his elegant drapes in formal wear, and got to see a brief preview of how crazy their days can be. The group then split up, some heading to BCBG and some had interviews including myself. With my heart pounding out of my chest and my sweaty palms, I walked gracefully into the Ralph Lauren tech-design department.

Everyone thinks Polo is super glamorous all of the time, but not in this case. The hallways were jam packed with boxes marked "sample sale" — every girls dream, right!? Then around a hallway that was more like a maze I came to THE interview spot. Imagine tons of jeans and sweaters piled high in every place possible, patterns taped up on these tall walls, and the phone ringing every ten minutes. That's the "professional " environment that I interviewed in. In a way it made me feel a little more at ease, "clothes are your friend."

The interview was a good length of time. She asked me the first question on her long sheet which was, "Why Polo? " Probably one of the most intimidating questions anyone can ask you! But I answered it and the conversation just completely took off from there. Some words of advice from interviewing in the real "professional " world ... Be yourself! Give them the stuff they want to hear and elaborate in your own words. Have experience, or do whatever it takes to get experience so that you have something to talk about. Be passionate. Love what you want to do! Ya know, I was so freaked out to interview with such a big company that is so widely known, but in all reality, they are just like anyone one of us. They all started somewhere and most can relate to that. So after it was over, I walked out, took a breath and said, "Dang that felt good! I JUST DID THAT!"

So after that was over, just the design group went for a tour of Ralph Lauren. We got to see their advertising department and their lobby ... we didn't have time to visit all 123807 floors that they had in the building (haha). Now that was beautiful!!! So polished and clean! The speakers were awesome and told us more about the company and about each label, etc. They were surprisingly more friendly then most people would perceive them being! It felt like a home to me ... is that a good thing?!

Later that night, we got the chance to go see Wicked at The Gershwin Theatre. One word: AMAZING! Broadway is not Broadway until seen in NYC! For those of you that don't know about Wicked, it's pretty much a story that expands the story of Wizard of Oz and the difference between goodness and wicked. Carol cried, and we all sniffled. It was simply amazing!

Our time in New York is shortly coming to an end but I have learned that this city has so much to offer if you're willing to go look for it. It's for those that like challenges and excitement, glamour and chaos.

p.s. The hot dogs are really good too.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Blogger:

Amy Crain
Major: Apparel & Merchandising, Merchandising
Hometown: Fort Collins, CO

Itinerary:

Industry appointments (Diane Von Furstenberg, Tracy Reese, Sixty USA, Meat packing district/stores)

Day 4:

Hello CSU! We just wrapped up day 4 of our Apparel & Merchandise Tour in New York City. I would definitely have to say that this has been by far the best day in the city. We started the day by rushing through Grand Central Station to catch a subway over to the Meat-packing District. This area has really changed over the years and houses famous designers and their showrooms. We arrived to the area a little early so we searched for good coffee. After asking a local where to go, we headed off in search of Chelsea Market. This was an amazing little find full of bakeries, eateries and most importantly, coffee!

After getting our caffeine fix, we headed over to the showroom and headquarters of Diane von Furstenberg (DVF). When the 32 of us gathered out front the five story brick building, we had no idea what was in store for us. As we waited to go in, I couldn't help but think about the episode of Project Runway where a group of designers were given the challenge of designing with DVF fabric and then brought to her showroom to meet the famous designer. When those awestruck designers entered that building, they were confronted with a gorgeous staircase that went all the way to the top of the building. Diane eventually walked down that staircase when she made her grand entrance on the show. I wondered if we would seem as awestruck by the beauty of the building, the staircase and of course Diane.

When we entered the building, we were certainly not let down. We were surrounded by beauty, class and sophistication much like Diane's designs themselves. When we were escorted up that famous staircase and I could tell we were in for something special. We spent the morning talking to her Design and Sales Directors who explained the "ins & outs" of the company and the process. After we were treated to seeing the clothes and accessories that just came off the runway as well as the runway show from Fashion Week. As we sat in an amazing meeting room discussing the footage we just watched, Diane herself walked in. I can only imagine what she saw: 32 students with jaws dropping and eyes popping out of their heads! We never imagined she would be there, let alone stop in and say "hello." She is such an amazing designer/ business woman and now having met her, can also say she is an amazing person. I think that was an OMG moment for all of us...I LOVE NEW YORK!

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Blogger:

Caitlin Henry
Major: Apparel & Merchandising, Merchandising
Hometown: Colby, Kansas

Itinerary:

The Today Show, Bohdi Bags, St. Patrick's Day Parade, The Museum at FIT, Soho shopping and dining, a white pizza, and more shopping!

Day 3:

Hey All!

My name is Caitlin Henry and I'm an apparel merchandising major at CSU. I have had the wonderful opportunity of attending the New York Study Tour that was offered this spring. So far we have had appointments at design houses such as Nanette Lepore, Diane Von Furstenburg, and Earth Pledge (a fairly new fashion promoter of sustainable goods).

Today, we hopped out of bed to arrive at The TODAY show at 5:30 A.M. Although we unfortunately did not get our fifteen minutes of fame on television, we were front row at the gate, in the middle of all the action. After three hours of standing in the frigid cold we headed to our first appointment at Bodhi Bags. Bohdi bags are fairly new, only a year old, and concentrate on producing high-end luxury handbags in an array of gorgeous hues. Bodhi bags sells at Nordstrom, Macy's, Stanley Korshak, and a few specialty boutiques in New York and Vail. One of their bags was even featured in an episode of Gossip Girl on the CW.

After our appointment we had the rest of the day to enjoy Saint Patrick's Day in NYC! We watched the colorful displays and performances of the Irish Pride, and then made our way to the FIT Museum. This spring FIT is featuring an exhibit titled " Seduction," featuring 300 years of provocative fashion.

After we finished at the museum, we took the subway down to Soho to do a little shopping and dining. We ate at Lombardi's, which is one of the oldest pizzerias in New York City. Three of us girls shared a white pizza, which consists of mounds of cheese and an olive oil sauce base. After we devoured our lunch we stepped out to do what every apparel major engages in: Shopping!

We visited unique, creative boutiques with quirky bags and jewelry, as well as the typical high end designer boutiques that you would come across on Fifth Avenue. This in itself was quite an experience. The visual merchandising was innovative, creative, and nothing like I have ever seen. It's amazing how creative people can be, and influence a purchase so much with just the display of their merchandise.

Experiencing the apparel industry in New York City has really put the concepts we learn in class into perspective. It's wonderful to see all of the ideas we are taught to practice and preach actually being implemented.

Monday, March 16, 2009

Blogger:

Emily Woods
Major: Apparel & Merchandising, Apparel Design & Production
Hometown: Denver, CO

Itinerary:

Eat New York Bagel with cream cheese, use NY subway, attend industry appointments in the Garment District (Nanette Lepore, DVF Sample Room, Earth Pledge - FutureFashion) and finish with alumnni/networking dinner at STITCH

Day 2:

Day 2, 9am: Three of us ran through the crowded and still unfamiliar main concourse of Grand Central Station looking for a bagel stand before we had to board the subway. Scheduled for a series of three appointments at design firms and a networking dinner later in the evening, I prepared for this exciting day with a famous New York Bagel and cream cheese. The purpose of today was to delve into the design industry at its major location in the Garment District. However, the rapid introduction into the subway system was overwhelming to say the least; I tried to pretend as if I knew where I was going, but really just trying to find that purple number 7 dictating my destination.

Once I found it, I was on my way to the studio of up and coming designer, Nanette Lepore. I, along with 31 other design and merchandising students entered a pink and Asian-inspired wallpapered hallway that led to the busy studio. We toured the vicinity and learned about the intensive process that accompanies the company's effort to support local manufacturing. The design studio houses almost 150 employees that accomplish tasks from designing to patternmaking to shipping out final products. We learned about the methodology behind Nanette Lepore's company and how she strives to create impeccable garments.

Following Nanette Lepore, the CSU tour group entered Studio 888, otherwise known as the sample studio of Diane von Furstenberg. With a much more established reputation and very different approach at production, Diane von Furstenberg's sample studio enlightened students with a detailed tour of the concept room with sketches and boards, following the patternmakers and fabric cutters. In this studio as well as the previous one we were able to see very well the entire process that builds a design line.

The last appointment of the day was in an old house built in 1902 that once belonged to the granddaughter of Abraham Lincoln. It now serves as the house of research and innovation for sustainable fashion market. Known as Earth Pledge, this non-profit organization studies the environmental struggles that result in mass production and eventually, waste. It works to provide alternatives to the environmentally hazardous production methods through recycling and developing sustainable textiles. I feel that one of the most important statements made by the director during the tour was that sustainability is not only a concept, but a lifestyle; and once you are able to live it, then you can fully understand it and teach it.

The last event of the day was the networking event at Stitch, a restaurant in the Garment District. CSU students, interns, and alumni all together met here and shared stories or asked questions about the fashion industry. Hearing all of these very different experiences by various people showed us students that there is hope to make in the big time even when you’re from a school in Fort Collins, Colorado. A great day, a great day indeed.

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Blogger:

Chris Martinez
Major: Interior Design
Hometown: Greeley, Co

Itinerary:

Tour museums, take NYC Taxi, familiarize with the city, enjoy Spirit dinner cruise on the Hudson

Day 1:

Great Food. Great People, and Plenty of Dancing. Add in some water, and a boat and you have yourself an unforgettable experience. This recipe also lends itself an amazing frenzy of laughter and celebrating. This Sunday, March 15th, 2009, the Department of Design and Merchandising, comprising of Apparel Design, Apparel Merchandizing and Interior Design, had an incredible time on the Spirit dinner cruise line located at the Chelsea Piers on the Hudson River.

Taking a taxi from our Hotel to the Chelsea piers was great. The first time I had actually stepped inside a Taxi, ever. It was different, but neat. When we arrived at the dock we were greeted and were coaxed to board the ship. The ship was stunning as it gleamed from the dusk of the sun. We were guided into the ship where a celebration of fine dining was displayed. The atmosphere screamed "You have arrived." We were seated in our areas and then told of some of the schedule details.

As the ship began to pull away from the shore, our Table servers had introduced themselves to us, and we were also greeted by our dj for the night. The music played and we began to get up and serve our food. The food was eye-catching with concoctions like stuffed chicken, ham, beef, mashed potatoes, bread and steamed vegetables. The food was incredible. It was a true sign the chef was proud of his/ or her, work. As we ate, music still playing, our ship cruised gallantly along the Manhattan shore. Glimpses of the cityscape caught every on looker's eye, and glistened in their mind.

After dinner the dj called everyone to the floor, and there was a dance party like none before. Young, Old, Rich and Poor all danced to the beats and showed off their moves. Here, truly, was a celebration. The night was filled with such. As the dj announced celebrations, I began to dwell on the celebrations in my life. And there it came; Life. That is what I was celebrating. The blessing of being alive. I announced this to my table and we all cheered.

After dinner was dessert, an array of cheesecake and brownies. It was really an authentic flavor. Eating each piece of these desserts really stimulated the taste buds. There is no peak of the night like the revealing of the grand hostess, Lady Liberty. Our ship gently passed the Grand 'ole lady and there were flashes galore. It was a great, and beautiful sight. Once we were finished admiring the Statue, the ship headed back to port and ended an incredible evening and an amazing experience that will stay with me forever.